De-Cluttering for the Holidays

Is your kitchen or dining room table cluttered and keeping you from hosting?

Or have you already committed to hosting but feel overwhelmed by the mess?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to tackle the clutter. Here are five simple tips to help you reclaim your space, reduce overwhelm, and get ready to welcome your guests.

1. Picture Your Ideal Space

Before diving into decluttering, take a moment to visualize what you want your table and dining area to look like. Imagine the clean surfaces, the festive decor, and the inviting atmosphere.

Visualization isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a powerful way to counteract negative self-talk and motivate yourself. Forgive yourself for the current state of your space and let go of any guilt. What matters most is the steps you take now to create the space you want.

2. Declutter by Category

Decluttering by category (instead of by location) is a game-changer. Inspired by the KonMari method, this approach helps you stay focused and prevents overwhelm. Start with one category—such as paper, dishes, or decor—and tackle it fully before moving on to the next.

If you’re unfamiliar with the KonMari categories, download the free KonMari checklist from my website. (Yes, you’ll need to share your email address, but don’t worry—no junk mail. Adding clutter to your inbox goes against my mission!)

3. Decide What to Keep

Let’s say you uncover a stack of mail buried under other items. Paper clutter can feel especially draining, but don’t let it derail you.

Take a deep breath and remind yourself: action cures fear. Sort the stack by deciding what you want to keep and what you need to keep. Anything that doesn’t fit into either category? Recycle or shred it guilt-free.

For papers you need to keep, place them in a designated to-do or pending bin. For papers you want to keep, take a moment to store them thoughtfully in a place that aligns with their purpose—whether that’s a sentimental keepsake box or a file folder.

4. Find Homes for Items

Think of your items as having “friends.” Lonely forks should return to the utensil drawer. Solo gloves? They belong with the other gloves until their match appears.

Storing items with their “friends” helps you find them quickly and reduces future clutter. Apply this mindset to every category you declutter—it’s simple, effective, and oddly satisfying.

5. Celebrate & Rest

Once everything has a home and your space feels refreshed, take a moment to celebrate your hard work.

Reward yourself in a way that feels restorative: enjoy a cup of tea, treat yourself to a cozy lunch, or simply sit for five minutes and bask in the peacefulness of your newly cleared space. Decluttering is an act of self-care, and you deserve to savor the accomplishment.

Pro Tip for Paper Clutter
Paper is often the trickiest category to tackle. If you feel stuck, I’m here to help!

I offer virtual organizing sessions, including my popular “sandwich edition” sessions for just $65. Perfect for those who prefer to work independently but need a little guidance, these sessions are tailored to your unique needs and can make all the difference in tackling challenging clutter.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a clutter-free, welcoming home. With these simple steps, you can transform overwhelm into action—and enjoy your celebrations with confidence.

Let’s declutter and make room for joy!

Don't Buy Stuff For Your Stuff

Why Less is More: Rethinking Your Organizational Tools

I’m often drawn to articles from Real Simple for their tempting organizational tips and clever tools. But as a seasoned home organizer, I can’t help but notice that many of these solutions miss the mark. The truth is, the secret to a clutter-free home isn’t in buying more tools to organize—it’s in having fewer things to organize in the first place.

Every new item you bring into your space requires time and energy to maintain. Before purchasing anything, ask yourself: Do I really need this? and Where will it go? A great way to test this out is by using a cardboard box—something most of us have lying around at home. Before you buy that chic organizer or trendy storage solution, use a box to simulate how it will function in your space.

For example, before rushing to buy those beautiful wicker baskets 🧺 or clear bins you saw on TikTok to revamp your pantry, try a simple experiment. Place some items in a box 📦 you already own, and observe how it fits into your pantry setup. Is it easy to slide the box in and out? Are you able to keep everything neatly organized, or do the contents get jumbled together? These small tests can reveal if the storage solution you had in mind is truly practical for your needs.

The key is to experiment first with what you already have. Once you’ve identified what works and what doesn’t, you’ll be in a much better position to make mindful, purposeful purchases that actually lead to long-lasting organization not more clutter.

If you are interested in talking with me about how I can help you to bring harmony back to your space, schedule a phone free consultation today. (This isn’t a sales call. I want to help you reduce stress and clutter.)

My favorite organizing tools (in case that’s most helpful):
Clear battery organizer

Clear Under Sink organizer

Trapezoid storage box

Make Your Table a Clutter-Free Zone

The kitchen or dining room tables are typical sources of clutter and stress. Despite one's best efforts, mail piles up, and projects linger. The table is ideal for holding things because it's big and seldom used for formal dining occasions. Many of us carve out space on the table, eating a meal surrounded by our stuff.

My mom has a unique approach to keeping her dining table clear. She keeps it set all the time for a formal occasion. Tablecloths, chargers, and linen napkins are not just functional for her, they spark joy. She has tried to instill upon me a love of a beautiful tablecloth and coordinating placemat. However, cleaning and caring for placemats isn't my cup of tea. After a recent visit to her house, I saw an additional benefit to her beautiful set table. Clutter can only develop on the table if there is room for it. Her table setting brings her joy and keeps the table a clutter-free zone!

Ready to transform your dining or kitchen table into a clutter-free zone? Here's a simple experiment to try. Clear off the table for yourself and set it up for a special meal. Find that dormant tablecloth in your house, and set out some dishes, flatware, and glasses. If you aren't a fan of placemats, check out your local thrift store for some chargers to go underneath your plates. By taking these small steps, you can start to see a big difference in the clutter levels of your table.

In addition to keeping your table set for meals, create a project zone. Often, I identify a recently emptied shelf for my clients and designate it as the project area. Rather than setting projects on the table, take them to the project zone. If the project zone is full, consider letting go of your new addition or something else lying dormant in the zone. It's challenging! (If you want to build your tidying muscle to prepare for this, don't get a cart or a basket the next time you go to Target. Once your hands are full, you have to prioritize. It's the same concept.)

I will work on setting up my table in a way that sparks joy for me, and I'll share some photos soon! 

Brave Enough...

“Brave enough to suck at something new.” is attributed to Jon Acuff. However, the quote reminded me of Carol Dweck’s research and books on failure and growth mindset. I modified it to read, Brave enough to fail  at something new.

These concepts have been top of mind for me lately as I engage in graduate study of Genetic 🧬 Counseling. While I love to learn, the process of receiving clinical/medical feedback is intense. I  receive regular, critical feedback on my performance. Each error pulls me deeper into a fixed mindset.

Fortunately, as things tend to do, an article in the new Junior League magazine, The League Life, provided some well timed reflections on growth mindset and failure.

From The League Life “Failure is Not a Dirty Word” by Jacquelyn Bauman

“So how do you flip the script when it feels like outside judgments are forcing you into a fixed mindset?

You need to start with your internal perceptions. The first thing to do is to grant yourself grace - you have failed, you are not a failure. When you feel those labeling and all-or-nothing cognitive distortions coming one, challenge those internal thoughts with evidence to the contrary. If you attempt to do something and do not achieve your goal, instead of thinking, “I am a failure,” prove that cognitive distortion wrong by remembering the times you DID achieve what you set out to do.

Look for takeaways from your current situation that you may be able to use in the future to achieve a different outcome. Use [Carol] Dwek’s concept of the “Power of Yet.” I did not achieve my goal, yet. I am not a leader, yet. By reframing accomplishment as an ever moving target as opposed to an attribute of character, we are able to achieve that growth mindset.” (Link to the full article)

One Pot Mushroom, Broccoli, and Rice

Many of us are short on time and trying to eat more vegetables. Instead of Broccoli 🥦 and Rice 🍚 casserole, try this one pot easy recipe. If you already have rice, it takes about 30 mins to dinner.

Groceries to Buy

Cream of mushroom 🍄 soup - enough for 3 cups

3 cups of broccoli 🥦- 2 or three heads (Substitute cauliflower if you have it.)

1 Onion 🧅 chopped or diced

Mushrooms 🍄 (one 10 oz bag frozen)

Spinach - one small 5 oz container

Garlic 🧄

Meat substitute (I used Impossible sausage) - optional

Shredded cheese 🧀- 1 cups - optional

Instructions:

1. Cook one cup of rice in rice cooker or use riced cauliflower

2. Prepare soup in another pot or in the microwave

3. Sauté onions 🧅, garlic 🧄, mushrooms 🍄, and meat substitute (optional) in oil or butter

4. Add broccoli 🥦 and salt and pepper to taste

5. Add spinach to wilt

6. Add half the soup and then mix in rice 🍚

7. Add other half of the soup and then mix in more rice 🍚

8. Sprinkle with one cup of cheese 🧀 (optional)

Enjoy!!

Organizing As Body Doubling

When I first heard the term "body doubling," thoughts of cloning and similar science fiction came into my head. However, body doubling refers to completing a task alongside another person. Often these tasks are somewhat daunting. For example, as a reluctant runner, I've found that running with a friend or group is more appealing than on your own. However, as I read more about this concept and how it supports individuals with ADHD, I realized that this term is an excellent descriptor of my work. 

As a home organizer and a body double, I provide support and individualized accountability as my clients approach the "DOOM" boxes 📦 or bags cluttering their homes. Although DOOM stands for Didn't Organize, Only Moved, the term recognizes the emotional weight and reluctance felt when approaching the task of going through these boxes and bags. Having support and positive feedback is helpful when decluttering a DOOM box 📦. I remind clients of their prior successes and talk them through the DOOM bag to reduce guilt and feelings of shame. 

Body doubling has provided many neurodivergent individuals with an accountability partner. As a home organizer specializing in services for those with ADHD/ADD, my services take body doubling even further. For example:

• Virtual/online sessions start with a guided visualization that anchors/focuses clients in the present moment.

  • Provides anxiety and stress reduction

• We discuss goals for Organizing, which helps clients to prioritize.

  • Goal setting addresses the executive function impairment of "activation" commonly experienced in ADHD.

• As an organizer and body double, my presence sustains focus by reducing mental blocks and guiding clients to start and finish Organizing.

  • Sustaining focus is a typical executive function impairment experienced with ADHD.

• My counseling skills will help clients to manage frustrations and process emotional responses.

• Clients benefit from the memory of two people. I jog clients' memory of where they put something or remind them what they want to tidy/organize next.

Unlike a group body doubling session, I'm focused on clients' goals and offer individualized support so they can finish Organizing.

• Rather than prescribed breaks, such as the 15-minute Pomodoro and 5-minute pause, breaks are suggested based on clients' energy levels.

• My clients and I discuss items, and I serve as a sounding board so clients' don't impulsively let go of something.

• Mental blocks will arise when organizing. I reduce those and anticipate distractions.

Most importantly, I want my clients to build a habit and learn new skills they can return to with or without me. Positive feedback is an essential aspect of any learning process. Virtual Organizing provides not just a body double but a motivational coach. I believe my clients can and will be tidy and help them identify the unique strengths that will keep them going.

Important Points:

Organizing/Tidying is a form of body doubling.

• An expert decluttering partner (Master Level KonMari Organizer with M.S. in Clinical Psychology) provides individualized support.

• The session is a "setting event" that will help those with ADHD take the task of organizing from start to finish.

• Approach DOOM boxes/bags with support and recognition of emotional resistance and dread.

• Reduce distractions with a focused zoom session

• Augment your memory and help you to keep organizing

• Organizing supports clients as they process emotional responses and manage frustrations.

References:

Ables, K. (2022, June 6). 'body doubling,' an ADHD productivity tool, is flourishing online. The Washington Post. Retrieved June 13, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/06/01/virtual-body-doubling-productivity-tiktok/ 

Jeret, A. (2022, March 10). Why people on Tiktok are calling out 'doom boxes' as a sign of ADHD. YourTango. Retrieved June 13, 2022, from https://www.yourtango.com/self/doom-boxes-adhd 

Rohde, L. A., Buitelaar, J. K., Gerlach, M., & Faraone, S. V. (Eds.). (2019). The World Federation of ADHD Guide - Russellbarkley.org. Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. Retrieved June 13, 2022, from http://russellbarkley.org/factsheets/TheWorldFederationOfAdhdGuide.pdf 

Separating Emotions from Things

Our things are not our emotions or memories. However, we often connect them. For example, items in our home cue memories and feelings and remind us of things we want to do. Learning to separate the two is an essential practice on your decluttering journey.

First, it's a practice and new habit to start noticing the memories and emotions connected to the items in our homes. Start by observing and perhaps write in your journal about your observations.

The next part of this practice/habit is recognizing that the memory and emotions are separate from the objects.

Finally, acknowledge that you can manifest what you need within yourself.

For example, if you notice difficulty when decluttering kids' old toys or clothes, note the difference between these objects and the beautiful moments you had with your loved ones. You aren't letting go of those lovely moments by letting go of these items. Instead, you are allowing another family to have similar moments with them. If you have a grandchild, trust that you will be able to borrow or buy similar items when it's time.

The true beauty of the experience is something you possess. It's your caring and the love you share with your loved ones. It's about spending time with them and sharing that love. This ability and experience are what you are keeping, and it's what you can manifest or bring about again.

Photo by Susan Holt Simpson on Unsplash

Organizing Tips

I was recently contacted by a journalist for the Reading Eagle for an article about organizing. Here’s a preview of her article, with some organizing tips:

If a person has a lot of clutter and feels overwhelmed, what are some ways to tackle the mess and get things under control?

Clutter is overwhelming. It increases the stress hormone cortisol so take comfort in knowing that there is a biological basis for how you feel. Start with an easy category, such as clothes. If there is a room, basement or guest room that has been taken over by clutter, you approach it category by category. Remember to take breaks and have a reward planned for after your are done. Perhaps schedule a relaxing salt session or massage at The Salt Lounge.

What are some different organization styles? How do you find the one that's right for you?

There are so many different styles, such as essentialism, minimalism, home editing. Schedule a free consultation with a home organizer to get a sense of her style and see if that approach is best for you. Many organizers offer a variety of options to support you, so you can find the help that suits you and your budget. Don’t spend more time reading about organizing than organizing. You don’t have to do it perfectly. Finding the right style for you is an experiment.

Let's talk about storage. What options/containers do you recommend?

Be careful when buying stuff for your stuff. It’s important to test out storage solutions first. Use cardboard boxes, repurpose those amazon boxes, ziploc bags, and shoe boxes to start. Once you know that the size and space is right, start looking for bins and boxes that are easy for you to use. A storage container might be lovely to look at but if you can’t unlatch it easily, you may be less likely to use it. Once you know what’s best for you and your space, check out etsy for unique options. 

What are some examples of ways that items can be repurposed rather than tossed?

You can repurpose just about anything but only spend time on repurposing the things that you really want to see in other areas of your home. For example, you can reuse shoe boxes and gift boxes as diy hikidashi boxes. Consider the services that companies provide to help you recycle, for example, you can recycle used ink cartridges at staples and used underwear and socks at Knickey. Both companies will give you a reward for recycling with them.  

** Organizing Specialist Caveat - The journalist asked me for room-based suggestions. In general, I don’t suggest organizing by room. It’s far more overwhelming and you’ll find that you are looking at the same category of things over and over. It’s best to proceed category by category. Then you’ll have all of the items in the same category in one spot and you can decide what to keep and where they should live. **

How should someone approach organizing the living room?

The living room is a space that is open and shared by everyone. You want it to be a reflection of your personality and a way of “self-expression”. 

Organizing the living room can be overwhelming. It’s less overwhelming to gather similar categories of items together. Take a step back, breathe and look at the different items and ask key questions - 

• What am I doing in my living room?

• What would I prefer to do in my living room?

• What are the things that I would like to have that are a part of my ideal lifestyle?

Keep the items in the living room that are supporting you and your family’s activities so that things don’t pile up and get disorganized on a daily basis.

What are some strategies for organizing bedrooms?

• Start by getting a sense of what you really want in your bedroom to support your optimal sleep hygiene.

• If you are working from home, then preferably work any place other than your bedroom. You want your bedroom to be associated with sleep, rest, relaxation, a healthy work-life balance, and healthy habits.

• If you are taking medications in the morning/night, make sure that these are accessible to easily so that you can remember taking them at the prescribed times of the day.

How about organizing methods for the kitchen?

Ask all the cooks in the home to be present to organize the space. One of my favorite questions to ask is “Pick out your go-to knife or spatula” Each cook has their favorite knife/spatula. Make sure you keep everyone’s favorite and let go of the items that no one is using. There are so many small utensils in the kitchen so start with your bigger items first and then move into the smaller ones. Most importantly, treat yourself to a nice dinner when you’re done. One of my favorite local spots is Tokyo Hibachi.

How to approach organizing bathrooms?

Bathroom spaces usually get the most cluttered/messy, especially the storage under the sink 

Separate items by category (for e.g. cleaning supplies, hygiene care, etc.) and place them in either i) separate containers ii) separate storing areas (if you have the space).

What are some strategies for organizing a basement/garage?

Garages and basements can become unused and unloved space. Think about what you really need in your home. If you’d like to have another space for your kids to play or maybe you’d love to carve out a little meditation space just for you. Keep that goal in mind and start picturing it. Then gather similar items together so you have a better idea of the quantity that you need to keep. Store similar items together so it’s easy for you and your family members to find. Also, consider labeling boxes and bins.

Pennsylvania's First and Only Master Level KonMari Consultant

I'm called back to my blog to share some fantastic news! I've reached the highest level of KonMari certification, Master! I'm so thankful for the clients who have invited me into their homes and supported my small business. I'm also grateful for the help and support I've received from friends and family.

I attended Marie Kondo's first US consultant training in 2016. As I decided to shift my careers, I continued to work full time. Progressing up the levels of certification takes time. Currently, I'm the first and only Master level KonMari consultant in Pennsylvania and the second in Maryland. 🎉